FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Ciaté Knight In Shining Armour Overnight Nail Mask #Blogmas2019

My nails have really been suffering so when I saw this on Birchbox UK I had to give it a try.

CLAIMS:

• Brighten and revitalise dehydrated nails
• A breakthrough in beauty sleep!
• Overnight nail mask is a man saviour.
• Enriched in Marula Oil for hydrating, brightening, revitalising results.

TAG: 89 Good This or That Questions #Blogmas2019

I found this tag on a website called Life Hacks and thought I would answer them myself.

Cookies or cake?
Cake but as long as it is vanilla or coffee cake with no icing.

Cat or dog?
Cat! Not to say I don't like dogs but I have had cats all of my life.

Computer games or video games?
I don't play them anymore but as a kid I used to have these Playskool computer games and I loved them, I kind of wish I still had them, you used to put your game thing if it be the baking one or the shop and strap it onto the keyboard and play the game, earning money and points to reward you with certificates.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Maybelline Fit Me® Dewy + Smooth Foundation (aka Luminous + Smooth) #Blogmas2019

I have heard so many people rave about Maybelline Fit Me® foundation but it's the matte one everyone goes on about so when I saw in Sweden this one I had to get hold of it. Now in Sweden it's called Luminous + Smooth whereas other countries call it Dewy + Smooth. Also did you know H&M in Sweden sell other makeup brands.

CLAIMS:

• Dewy foundation with SPF 18 that hydrates and smoothes skin texture.
• Leaves a naturally luminous finish.
• Fit Me® Dewy + Smooth Foundation face makeup. 
• Maybelline's smoothing concentrate hydrates rough patches leaving skin with a naturally luminous finish.  
• Ideal for normal to dry skin, this foundation hydrates and smoothes skin texture and leaves a naturally luminous finish.
• Protects with SPF 18.
• Dermatologist tested. 
• Allergy tested.
• Non-comedogenic.
• Fragrance-free.  

My skin is dry but before I do my foundation I always use a moisturiser.

I have two applications I like to alternate with when applying foundation so thought I would apply the left side (right on the picture) with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush and the right side (left on the picture) with my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. I prefer the side using the sponge, it looks a little more flawless.

I applied my eye makeup and a bit of contour otherwise no concealer or highlighter, I quite like this look as my usual everyday makeup look.

Update #1 (7pm): I am looking pretty glow-y which I like, I applied the foundation at 5:30am so it has lasted pretty well.

Update #2 (10pm): Still got that glow, I look tired and so does my skin.

I won't be doing a revisit of this foundation because I can tell you as I write this blog post a week after trying the product out that I have continued using it and love it. My dry patches aren't made out to be a big issue, my skin looks dewy all day and you can build it up to a decent coverage however I do add a little concealer but that's normal.

Purchased From: H&M

Shade: 110 Porcelain

Price: ?

Star Rating: 5/5

Date Tried: Saturday 23rd November 2019

TIP: Quick Makeup Brush Cleaning #Blogmas2019

I have figured a way to quick spot clean my makeup brushes when I am away like for example when I was in Stockholm how I could quickly clean my brushes without bringing another bottle of product.

What I have been doing is using micellar water on a cotton pad, now some of you probably already do this but I thought I would just share.

All I do is put a little micellar water on the cotton pad and circle the brush on the cleanser cleaning them up. I wouldn't recommend you constantly do this, your brushes need a proper deep clean.

Daily Evening Skincare Routine 2019 #Blogmas2019

I shared the daily evening skincare routine last year and thought I would share this years, I have changed a few things and use a few different products but just to let you know these are my favourites at the moment, I am always trying new products out.

Before you read this just remember I am not a specialist, this works for me and I know people will think it's wrong but like I say it works for me and it may work for yourself.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Sephora Lychee Face Mask #Blogmas2019

When I was in Stockholm I bought a few Sephora products because we can't get hold of it in the UK so when I saw a face mask that is ultra moisturising and brightening.

CLAIMS:

• A second skin, plant-derived fibre support
• Thirst-quenching texture and concentrated super-ingredient formulae for visible results in just 15 minutes
• Moisturizes the skin instantly and durably
• Ultra moisturising and brightening
• Gives an immediate glow effect

Perfume Collection 2019 #Blogmas2019

I don't think I have got many or even any new perfumes since last year except replacing empty bottles of What If?

I thought I would show each area and link as many of them as possible.

• Red Shoe
• Stars
• Loves Me Loves Me Not
• Poker
• Jean-Yves To Go
• Ed Hardy

• Night Flower
• Fame

• Vera Wang Princess
• Giorgio Armani Si
• Lady Gaga Fame

• What If? x2
• Laugh With Me Lee Lee
• Lady Million Empire (sample sent)
• Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

FOTD & OOTD: Works Christmas Do #Blogmas2019

I thought I would share what I wore for my Christmas works do now I some how forgot to take a photo of my actual makeup, I think it was because I was having too much of a good time. Now we went to play a round of mini crazy golf at Junkyard Golf Club then drinks and dancing at Revolution around the corner.

My Outfit:

• Ivory Rose Lingerie Underwired Black Lace and Mesh Body (I know I never mention my underwear normally but I thought I would this time because they are amazing, so comfortable)
• PrettyLittleThing Black Basic Lace Sleeve T-Shirt
• Never Fully Dressed Chelsea Print Jaspre Skirt
• QUPID Pointed High Heeled Shoes
• Ted Baker Flossie Soft Leather Studded Black Camera Bag
• Michael Kors Rose Watch
• Pandora Rose Gold Heart Stackable Ring
• Pandora Silver Heart Stackable Ring

GIVEAWAY: Christmas 2019 #Blogmas2019

It's the first blog post of Blogmas 2019 and it has to be a giveaway like I did last year so here goes.

WHAT'S IN THE GIVEAWAY:

• Maude & Noah Rose Gold Caramel Latte Candle: if you don't know this then here you go, I have a candle company called Maude & Noah, our best seller is the caramel latte so thought I would giveaway one.
• Montagne Jeunesse Soften Sock Masques & Soften Glove Masques: I am obsessed with these, I use them on a weekly bases.
• Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask: One of my favourite face masks, I feel like my skin is at it's best when I have used this mask.
• Barry M Base Coat, Top Coat & Nail Hardener (All In One): I have had multiple of these so thought you may as well have one.
• Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Pink Lemonade: I haven't got this myself but expect me to get one because it is just such a 'me' colour. Barry M was the first nail polish brand I ever owned.
• Barry M Nail Paint in Gold Carpet: I am going to be honest I got this as a free with purchase when I bought the nail polishes for this giveaway, it came with another one which I kept and decided to give the winner one.
• Barry M Wet Set Quick Dry Topcoat: I have got this myself and like it.

November 2019 Favourites

I haven't really tried a lot of new products because I was away for a while but then with the new year coming up I want to use up as many products as possible so I can start a fresh in the new year.

GIFT IDEA: Thank You For Hosting (For Jacinda & Scott)

Some of you may know the story or not and some of you may know who Jacinda and Scott are but here is a brief summary, so Jacinda has a son called Kyle who is the same age and best friends with my brother Ethan, they have known each other since they were three years old. Mum and Jacinda became good friends they both had another son each at the same time, Jacinda's is Logan, my brother is Louie and they are besties. Jacinda is my baby brother Mowgli's godmother. Now Jacinda is originally from Yorkshire but we all lived in Leicester, been on holidays together, partied together. Jacinda. met the love of her life: Scott from Scotland. They moved to Yorkshire, you will have seen that they have twins now, I have done blog posts on it before. Scott got me a job up in Yorkshire and it was a bit of a mad rush and I was offered their spare bedroom until I got settled. I really wanted to get them a lovely gift to say thank you but also a gift that is meaningful however what do you get so this is exactly what I got.

So when I thought about the fit I thought I would get a personalised bag instead of a gift bag so I contacted an artist on Etsy called Minii Vanilla and asked for her to do a picture of their family, then got the picture printed onto two tote bags plus the wording 'One Step Closer' which is a tattoo on Jacinda's foot in a similar font but also it's their wedding song printed on the other side.

Card from Paperchase.

H&M Guns N Roses Sweet Child O'Mine t-shirts for Isla and Iona who are Scott and Jacinda's 1 year old twins, I have a Guns N Roses t-shirt so I thought we could match.

Edinburgh Preserve Hot & Spicy Sauce Collection is mainly for Scott, spicy sauce is a thing that we both have in common, we love them so when I saw in John Lewis this Edinburgh range I thought it was perfect for Scott the Scot.

Scott and Jacinda love gin and their favourite brand is Edinburgh Gin Distillery so I got them Edinburgh Gin Distillery Rhubarb & Ginger, I know Jacinda likes rhubarb.

I remember talking to Scott about Irn Bru and how they are getting rid of the original version so when I came across a pack of 8 I had to get them.

In their house they always have the Walkers Max Strong crisps as well as snacks so I got them a few, chocolates they can all share but Freddos for the twins, I know Jacinda loves Drumstick Squashies but also treated them to some Yorkshire Mixtures. I know Scott loves Reese's and I am sure both of them like salted caramel.

I just want to say a HUGE thank you to Scott, Jacinda and their kids for having me, for taking care of me and for being there for me, this year has been a big thing for me and without them I wouldn't have got such a good opportunity and grow as a person.

Travel Diaries (Stockholm 2019)

I thought I would write a little diary of everything I have done over the week (not really a full week) so I can keep and share these memories with other.

Why I Traveled To Stockholm On My Own? (Stockholm 2019)

Why did I travel to Stockholm on my own?
The honest answer is...I am selfish.

I was asked by work colleagues and friends why I would travel to another country on my own especially with my birthday being during the trip and like I said I am selfish. I got to go somewhere that I wanted to go to, do what I wanted to do, walk around at my pace, sleep when I wanted to sleep and eat what I wanted to eat.

Was I lonely on the trip?
No, I had my parents FaceTime me everyday, women at work were messaging me but also I got speaking to locals, that's a good way to not be lonely but also learn new things?

Why Stockholm, Sweden?
I have been a big fan of ABBA since a very young age and always wanted to go and visit, this year has been a big year for me and I thought I deserved a little holiday so chose to do this.

Would I do it again?
Hell yeah, I already have two trips scheduled for 2020 which I will do blog posts on it so keep an eye out.